Author(s)

N. Haie, G.J. Machado, F.C. Fortunas, J.C. Teixeira & J.B. Martins

Abstract

Evaluation and comparison of BEM, FEM and FDM for the solution of some engineering problems N. Haie, GJ. Machado, F.C. Fortunas, J.C. Teixeira, J.B. Martins School of Engineering, University o/Minho, 4800 Guimares, Portugal ABSTRACT This paper discusses the aims of a numerical method in order to solve a given problem with an approximation which is just enough in an engineering practice. With this in mind, search for specific problems best solved by BEM, FEM and FDM is done. Influence of geometry and boundary conditions are considered. Some comparisons through examples from groundwater pollution problems are made. The errors and computational times were compared showing that the three methods are acceptable from the point of view of engineering practice. 1 INTRODUCTION It seems to be Richardson in 1910 [1] who, for the first time, uses the term "finite differences" and hence Finite Difference Method (FDM). Later, in the '50s, Turner et. al. [2] used the term "finite

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